We’re still searching for the Archdiocese’ longest married couple…is it you?

Milestone marriages are to be celebrated by the Archdiocese of Birmingham this year and we’re trying to track down as many couples as possible to join the party.

In the run-up to this year’s Marriage Week in May, a Thanksgiving Mass is to be held at St Chad’s Cathedral at 11am on Sunday 3 February.

So far we’re expecting between 20 and 30 milestone couples to attend the special service, but there’s still plenty of time to secure your invitation.

A range of milestone marriages will be marked at the service which is to be celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley.

And if couples aren’t able to get to the cathedral, it is hoped celebratory masses will be said across the diocese to ensure all milestone marriages are marked.

Lianne Pap, Family Ministry Worker for the diocese, has been tasked with pulling together the event.

“Archbishop Longley will be celebrating the Thanksgiving Mass for couples that have reached a milestone in their marriage – five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60 and even 70 years of marriage,” said Lianne.

“This has never been done for the whole diocese before and I’m really hoping to find the longest married couple.”

Marriage Week UK is co-ordinated by Marriage Foundation and runs each year. It’s hailed a great annual focus for couples with the belief marriages can get better and better with each passing year.

This year’s week will take place from May 13 to 19th and the theme is ‘Recipe for a Healthy Marriage’.

If you are celebrating a milestone marriage and would like to be a part of the Thanksgiving Mass please email [email protected] - marking your email ‘Marriage Week’.